TWU accused of anti-Qantas campaign

Qantas says a transport union is simply continuing its anti-Qantas campaign by claiming the airline will be split up and sold off at a "rock-bottom price" if a tie-up with Emirates goes ahead.

Flying kangaroo boss Alan Joyce announced on September 5 that Qantas had inked a deal with Dubai-based Emirates to share routes, frequent flyer programs, IT systems, airport facilities and other key parts of their businesses.

The tie-up, to replace Qantas's close relationship with British Airways, is yet to receive the green light from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

But Transport Workers' Union (TWU) boss Tony Sheldon said on Friday the deal could lead to Qantas falling into foreign hands and ceasing to exist in its current format - and even risk national aviation security.

He said Qantas had already sold its Adelaide-based catering business to Emirates, and he predicted more parts of the airline would be sold in coming years.

"I've no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the strategy that's been adopted by the present board and the CEO is a strategy that will mean the absolutely demise and break-up of Qantas," Mr Sheldon said.

But Qantas Group Executive Olivia Wirth said Mr Sheldon's comments were a continuation of the TWU's long-running campaign to damage the Qantas brand and had no basis in fact.